A Constitutional Peace
This week, Colombia celebrates the first 25 years of its 1991 Constitution, which is perhaps the most important political development of the last few decades.
Read MorePijao: the “slow” town that is endangered due to mining
Hidden between the mountains of Quindio, there is a small town waging a battle to defend its autonomy and territory. Pijao is a municipality with approximately 6,000 residents. Since a few years ago, it struggles to defend its decision to “not be in a rush”, where quality of life, good food, and nature come first before mining, which threatens to change Pijao’s life style.
Read MoreThe Desired Peace (II)
Following up on my earlier column, I present the other five reasons why I support the “desired peace”, and I explain why I will vote “Yes” in the referendum.
Read MorePlebiscites, Fear and Hope
Plebiscites are risky forms of democratic expression, as Kathleen McNamara wrote in Foreign Affairs, after the British decision to exit the European Union.
Read MoreHappy Pride in Peace
June 28th is a commemoration and holiday at the same time.
Read MoreThe Rapists with Diplomatic Immunity and the Victims without Justice
Almost a decade ago some U.S. military men raped a twelve year old girl in Melgar. The US refuses to investigate the case and Colombia likewise refuses to attend to the victim. Today this girl is a woman and continues searching for justice.
Read MoreDecriminalizing HIV
Criminalization of HIV is an inappropriate measure to address this type of public health problem, and also has negative effects on the rights of those living with HIV.
The Desired Peace
This is the name of the informal group of people who thinks that ending the armed conflict today is the most important ethical cause of Colombia and want to contribute to an informed debate and growing participation in society in this task. Next Tuesday is the public launching of the group and I explain the first five reasons why I make part of this group and will vote yes on the popular vote for peace.
Read MorePromise and Forgiveness
In The Human Condition, Hannah Arendt says that we cannot change the past nor control the future because the past is irreversible and the future is unpredictable.
Read MoreWhy transitional justice also has to do with business
It is clear that peace will bring economic benefits to Colombian society. This conclusion became apparent during several panels at the World Economic Forum on Latin America, which took place in Medellin a week ago. As the forum director, Marisol Argueta, said: similar to the growing investment in agroindustry, infrastructure, and the service sector, the inclusion of isolated territories in productive settings will stimulate the economy.
Read MoreThe Inspector General’s Short-sightedness
The Inspector General thought that he was playing an ace of diamonds when he removed Petro from office. But this play may lead him to loose the hand.
Read MoreThe Wiwa People and the Ranchería Dam (Documentary)
In the 2005, the INCODER began the construction of the El Cercado Dam on the Ranchería River. The government issued the construction license for the dam violating the right of the indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to prior consultation. In this documentary, members of the Wiwa People share how their physic and cultural survival was threatened by the construction and their means of resistance they have developed to challenge the Dam.
Read MoreDo Bulls have Rights?
While the Constitutional Court is deciding a case about bullfights in Bogotá, an excellent decision by the State Council makes it clear that animals do have some rights and that bulls are not the exception.
Read MoreRe-election, Peace and Democracy
A closer look at the dates when high-level government officials will be chosen reveals the enormous concentration of power that the re-election of President Santos could bring. The balance of power must be re-established and there are concrete ways of accomplishing this.
Read MoreThe Statue of Liberty… Chained
The Statue of Liberty has traditionally been a symbol for immigrants to the United States, representing their arrival to a free country. But considering how rapidly the prison population has grown, the Statue of Liberty should now be displayed in chains.
Read MoreThey Have the Right, but It’s Forbidden
The government recognizes certain rights of the indigenous peoples of the Cauca and of the Afro-Colombians in the islands of the Caribbean. But at the same time, they are enforcing laws that forbid the exercise of these rights.
Read MoreWho Would Want to be a Public Official?
The removal from office of the Financial Superintendent is yet another sign of the excessive power of the Inspector General’s Office.
Read MoreThe United Nations Debates Business and Human Rights
A gathering organized by the UN Working Group may promote international regulation of business and human rights.
Read MoreThe 25th Anniversary of the Comission of Colombian Jurists
The CCJ is the Comission of Colombian Jurists, one of the most important and respected organization of human rights in Latin America. Last thursday it celebrated 25 years of admirable and unstoppable work for democracy and rights in Colombia.
Read MoreAre the Five Eyes being Short-sighted?
A new United Nations resolution could put a brake on the large scale espionage carried out by countries like the United States.
Read More